Rotator cuff injuries can be a common occurrence, with an estimated two to four million cases reported annually in the United States. Fortunately, for most individuals, rest and physical therapy prove to be adequate treatments for mild rotator cuff issues. Yet, in more severe circumstances such as complete tears, surgical repair may be necessary in order to ensure successful recovery.

What is the Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff is a complex of four muscles and tendons that surrounds the head of the humerus and shoulder joint. Acting as both stabilizers and enablers of movement, these muscles allow us to rotate our shoulders and lift our arms with consummate ease. Without this intricate arrangement of structures, our range of motion would be severely restricted.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries: An Overview

Rotator cuff injuries happen a lot to athletes and active people. The injuries can be mild or severe, from tendon inflammation to torn muscles. Tendinitis is a common manifestation, wherein the tissues of the tendon become irritated and swollen, leading to pain and decreased mobility. A rotator cuff strain is a more severe form of damage, where the integrity of the muscle fibers is compromised—with varying degrees of severity depending on the extent of the injury. In either case, prompt medical attention and targeted physical therapy can be extremely beneficial for restoring normal range of motion and avoiding further discomfort.

Rotator cuff tendonitis is a condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder joint. It's typically caused by activities which involve repetitive movement, such as overhead work or sports such as tennis, baseball, and cricket. A rotator cuff tear comes in two forms - partial or complete. A partial tear is when one of the tendons is frayed or damaged, while a complete tear is when the tendon has been completely severed from the bone. In many cases, rotator cuff injuries occur over time due to regular wear and tear. However, they can also be caused by a trauma like a fall onto the arm and shoulder, or heavy lifting. If you think you may have sustained a rotator cuff injury, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Don't Ignore the Painful Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Rotator cuff tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of the shoulder joint tendons and muscles. As the condition worsens, patients feel pain and swelling on the front or side of the arm. They have trouble moving their arm, and they may hear clicking and popping sounds. It makes it difficult to sleep and lowers mobility and strength. When you have a torn rotator cuff, you may feel pain that goes down the front of your shoulder. You may also feel weak and have trouble lifting things. Diagnosis typically requires a medical history review, physical examination, X-ray or MRI imaging, and ruling out other conditions such as a pinched nerve or arthritis. Treatment often entails reducing swelling and inflammation, followed by strengthening exercises in physical therapy to recover shoulder motion and strength. Common treatments include rest periods, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.

Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, recovering from a rotator cuff tear may take anywhere from two weeks up to several months. If left untreated, tendonitis can progress to a full tear, so it's important to seek help as soon as the symptoms appear.

If you’re in NYC and suffering from chronic shoulder pain, Caliber PT has the best physical therapists to help you. We offer personalized physical therapy programs for rotator cuff tears. Our expert physical therapists create customized plans to restore mobility and strength, and we also offer pre and post-operative rehabilitation if surgical intervention is needed.

Trust Caliber PT to help you regain your active lifestyle and live pain-free with the best physical therapists in New York City.

Call (646) 668-7210 to schedule an appointment today.